Lecture 3: Back Arthrology

Question 1

4 types of Joints in the Vertebral Joint

Answer 1

1. C1/C2 –> compound (trochoid/planar)
2. C3-S1 –> symphysis
3. S5/Co1 –> symphysis
4. C1-S1 –> zygopophyseal (planar)

Question 2

What is “Whiplash” injury?

Answer 2

Hyperextension from automobile accidents

• excessive stretch and tear of Anterior Longitudinal L.
• recoil = hyperflexion injury

Question 3

Why is the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament important in splinting?

Answer 3

Keeping patient hyperextended during suspected vertebral column fracture because the pull of the Anterior Longitudinal L. will realign bone fragments and prevent further injury

Question 4

List the Ligaments of the Vertebral Column from most anterior to most posterior.

Answer 4

1. Anterior Longitudinal L.
2. Posterior Longitudinal L.
3. Ligamentum Flavum
4. Intertransverse L.
5. Interspinous L.
6. Supraspinous L.

Question 5

What is Herniation of the Vertebral Disc and where is it most common?

Answer 5

• Nucleus Pulposus herniates through Annulus Fibrosis
• normally occurs posteriolaterally and can compress Spinal Nerve Roots, Cauda Equina, and Spinal Nerves
• most common at L4/L5 and L5/S1

Question 6

Atlantooccipital Joint: type and ligaments (4)

Answer 6

type: condyloid synovial

Ligaments:

• Anterior Atlantooccipital Membrane
• Tectorial Membrane
• Posterior Atlantooccipital Membrane
• Nuchal L.

Question 7

Median Atlantoaxial Joint: type and ligaments (3)

Answer 7

type: trochoid synovial

Ligaments:

• Cruciate L (Superior/Inferior Longitudinal Band, Transverse L. of the Atlas)
• Alar L
• Apical L. of the Dens

Question 8

Lateral Atlantoaxial Joint: type and where its at

Answer 8

type: planar synovial
location: between superior and inferior articulating processes of the axis and atlas

Question 9

Lumbosacral Joint: type and what ligaments are absent (3)

Answer 9

type: compound (symphysis/planar) –> L5-sacrum

absent ligaments:
- interspinous, intertransverse, supraspinous L.’s

Question 10

What are the two unique ligaments of the Lumbosacral Joint?

Answer 10

1. Iliolumbar L. –> L5 transverse process to iliac crests

2. Lumbosacral –> L5 transverse process to Sacral Ala